Facebook Messenger has become one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to easily connect with friends and family. One of Messenger’s standout features is the ability to make video calls and create video groups with up to 50 people.
Video groups on Messenger make it easy to stay connected face-to-face with multiple people at once. Whether you want to gather friends and family for a virtual happy hour or make big announcements via video call, Messenger’s video groups have got you covered.
Step 1: Open a Messenger Group Chat
To get started, open the Messenger app on your mobile device or desktop computer. If you don’t already have an existing group chat with the participants, you’ll need to create a new Messenger group:
- Tap the People tab at the bottom of the app screen and select “New Group.”
- Choose the group name at the top of the screen. This can be changed later.
- Tap the field below to search for and select each person you want to include in the video group.
- Once everyone is added, tap “Create” at the bottom right.
This will open up a new Messenger group with all the participants you selected. The group will stay open so you can start your video call whenever you’re ready.
Step 2: Start the Video Call
Once your group is created, starting a video call is simple. Here’s how it works:
- Open the Messenger group where you want to initiate the video call.
- Tap the video camera icon in the upper right corner.
- Select “Video Chat” from the menu.
This will send a video call invite to all members of the group. As participants accept the invite, their video windows will pop up on your screen. Messenger will automatically switch to landscape mode during video calls for a better viewing experience.
Step 3: Manage Your Video Group Call
Once you’re connected on the video call, there are a few key features to take advantage of:
- Mute/unmute – Tap the microphone icon to mute and unmute your audio.
- Turn video on/off – Tap the video camera icon to turn your video feed on or off.
- Spotlight a speaker – Double tap on their video to bring it front and center on the call.
- AR effects – Tap the smiley face to add fun filters, reactions and effects to your video.
- Screen sharing – Tap the monitor icon to share your screen with the group.
- Send messages – Continue chatting via text with the group while on the video call.
The group creator can tap the gear icon to access additional options like muting the group, flipping the self view, adjusting incoming video quality, and more.
Tips for Successful Messenger Video Groups
To help make sure your Messenger video group calls go smoothly, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure everyone has a strong internet connection for optimal video quality.
- Ask participants to join from a quiet location to minimize background noise.
- Speak clearly and directly into the microphone.
- Adjust the camera so your face is completely in frame.
- Use adequate lighting so you’re visible on camera.
- Mute your mic when not speaking to avoid feedback.
- Ask one person to serve as the moderator if you have a large group.
- Test your microphone, speaker and camera ahead of time.
- Be mindful of on-screen etiquette like minimizing distractions.
Messenger Video Call Limits
Messenger does impose some limits when it comes to video calls:
- Maximum of 50 participants per video group.
- 4 hours max per video call.
- Option to enable up to 8 video feeds per screen.
While active, video calls will prevent your phone from going to sleep. But you can multitask and switch between apps during the call.
Participants who miss a call can tap “Join” in the group chat to be added. The creator can also remove people from the call by tapping the “x” next to their name.
Troubleshooting Messenger Video Groups
Like any video call, sometimes things can go wrong with Messenger calls. Here are some common issues and fixes:
Can’t start a video call
- Make sure you’re using the latest version of Messenger.
- Force quit and relaunch the Messenger app.
- Double check your internet connection.
- Restart your mobile device or computer.
Video quality is poor
- Make sure you’re not moving around too much on camera.
- Try toggling WiFi off and using mobile data instead.
- Move closer to your router if on WiFi.
- Turn off other devices using your connection.
Audio quality is poor
- Try switching to a headset instead of speakers.
- Make sure your microphone isn’t blocked.
- Reduce background noise around you.
- Try moving your microphone closer when speaking.
Can’t add more participants
- Make sure you haven’t exceeded the 50 person call limit.
- Double check that the people you’re trying to add have an active Messenger account.
Participants can’t join the call
- Ask them to force quit and relaunch Messenger.
- Have them double check their internet connection.
- Make sure they tap “Join” in the group chat.
- As the call creator, you can add them directly from the participant list.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Messenger makes it simple to bring groups together face-to-face with video chat. Just open up a group conversation, tap the video icon, and connect with up to 50 friends and family.
Optimizing your video call setup and following call etiquette will ensure you have the best experience. But don’t stress about having the perfect call – the fun of Messenger video chats is spontaneously connecting with loved ones.
So bring your crew together, enable those AR effects and filters, and enjoy your next Messenger video group call. The ability to see each other face-to-face and share real conversations will make the Messenger experience that much more special.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open a Messenger Group Chat |
| 2 | Start the Video Call |
| 3 | Manage Your Video Group Call |
Here are some tips for conducting a successful Messenger video group call:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Strong internet connection | Allows for optimal video quality |
| Quiet location | Minimizes background noise |
| Speak clearly | Makes you easily understood |
| Adjust camera framing | Keeps your face centered on camera |
| Use adequate lighting | Makes you visible on camera |
| Mute when not speaking | Avoids feedback and background noise |
| Designate a moderator | Helps manage large groups |
| Test equipment beforehand | Confirms setup is working properly |
| Practice video etiquette | Minimizes on-screen distractions |
And some common troubleshooting fixes:
| Issue | Potential Fixes |
|---|---|
| Can’t start call |
|
| Poor video quality |
|
| Poor audio quality |
|
| Can’t add more people |
|
| Participants can’t join |
|
Connecting with groups of friends and family via Messenger video call is fun and easy. With a few simple steps you can be video chatting with up to 50 people. Make sure to have good internet, proper setup, and follow call etiquette. With the ability to enable AR effects and filters, you’ll find Messenger video groups are the perfect way to hang out face-to-face and stay connected.